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Cosmetic and Family Dentistry Options for Fixing Teeth Gaps

Are you shy about smiling or talking because of gaps between your teeth? It is diastema, and you need treatment.

Although, having gaps between teeth isn’t normal, but it isn’t a rare phenomenon. Many people have gaps between their front teeth, which makes them self-conscious. This condition of having gaps is known as diastema and can be treated. Fortunately, advancements in cosmetic and family dentistry offer various treatments to fix gaps in teeth and improve overall dental aesthetics.

This blog will explore the various treatments available to fix gaps in teeth.

Read on!

What Causes Diastema?

Diastema is when your two upper front teeth have a gap of more than 0.5 millimeters. It not only affects your upper front teeth, but it can be in the form of multiple gaps between many teeth.

There is no one culprit behind it. Diastema teeth can be a result of many factors:

Genetic: Your family’s genetic history determines the shape and size of your teeth. If your family has a history of diastema teeth, it is most likely that you or your kid might have them. Thus, your natural teeth might grow with gaps in between.

Unusual Size and Shape: Sometimes, the teeth don’t grow straight, they get impacted, the canines are shorter, or shape isn’t right, etc. These affect the rest of your teeth and might cause a gap.

Gum Disease: Periodontitis is a gum disease that impacts the gum and the bone tissue, causing gaps between teeth due to infection.

Tongue Thrusting: Your tongue constantly thrusts your lower teeth, which impacts them over time, causing diastema.

Obstructions in Mouth: When your baby teeth don’t fall or don’t grow properly, it leaves a gap between the teeth.

Plaque and Tartar: If you don’t brush your teeth properly, the bacteria create a hardened layer around the gums and between teeth, called plaque. Once it hardens, it is hard to remove with brushing. It turns to dark yellow and grey over time, creating gaps between teeth and pushing them apart.

Cosmetic and Family Dentistry Solutions for Diastema Treatment

Having gaps between your teeth is not a cause for concern, especially when it is natural. The multiple cosmetic diastema treatments available can help you. Check out the treatment options available:

Braces and Orthodontic Solutions

Orthodontic treatment is a very effective alternative when your teeth are misaligned or have multiple gaps. Braces help push these teeth together in a more aligned position over time.

Braces have become old news. Today, people are more inclined towards the use of clear aligners or retainers. You can choose any of them based on the gap between your teeth and your budget.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is one of the quickest diastema treatments, which can be completed in one sitting. This procedure uses a tooth-colored resin to fill the gaps and fix the issue. Dental bonding offers a quick, affordable, and painless treatment. However, it is not a permanent solution, as the bonding can come off if done by an inexperienced dentist. Additionally, it requires touch-ups over time.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers serve many purposes while fixing the gaps between your teeth. If you have misaligned, smaller, or shapeless teeth, then porcelain veneers are an effective option. These are thin, custom-made shells that are cemented on your teeth and hide the imperfections.

In case of diastema, they can fix the issue quickly. Also, they are long-lasting, stain-resistant, and natural-looking. However, there is one disadvantage to this procedure. It requires scraping off enamel to cement the shells firmly to the teeth’s surface.

Surgical Options

Sometimes, diastema is caused by a cyst in the upper tissue of the gum. This band of tissue forms a cyst between your teeth and causes them to drift apart. It requires surgical intervention to remove it so that diastema treatment can be started.

Dental Cleaning

When plaque and tartar are the culprits behind the diastema, it requires dental cleaning, wherein we remove the hard plaque. Removing it sometimes causes a gap when the plaque accumulates for years. Depending on your specific needs, the treatment might include fluoride treatment and dental sealants.

Choosing The Right Diastema Treatment

You can choose your preferred diastema treatment based on the dentist’s recommendations. However, the factors to consider are:

Gap Size: Large gaps between teeth might require braces. Also, it is a prolonged treatment. In the case of smaller gaps, bonding and veneers are effective.

Aesthetic Goals: Some people prefer a diastema treatment and a quick aesthetic fix. If you also need a natural appearance, you can use clear aligners or veneers to fix the gap.

Oral Health: You must also consider any underlying oral conditions before choosing a diastema treatment.

Budget: One of the most important factors is budget. Treatment costs vary, and you should choose one that offers long-term benefits without costing you more than planned.

Final Words

Diastema shouldn’t be a matter of concern for you because it can be treated. There are various treatments available, as discussed above. However, the choice of dentist matters most in a successful treatment.

So, for the best diastema treatment in Chandler, visit Peace of Mind Dental Studio, where we offer what you need. We ensure you are comfortable from the first dental examination to follow-up appointments after the treatment.

For more details, give us a call or book an appointment!

Written by Dr. Silverman

Dr. Silverman is the co-founder of Peace of Mind Dental, a Chandler Arizona, general dentistry practice.

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